An amazing truth through two weeks of the 2015 NFL season: Only two teams—the Oakland Raiders and Chicago Bears—have allowed more points than the Seattle Seahawks.
Owners of the NFL’s best scoring defense three years running, the Seahawks have allowed 61 points to start this season. Seattle hasn’t given up that many points in back-to-back weeks since late in 2010.
With Seattle’s elite defense floundering, a few others have stepped up and filled the void. Here’s a look at the best defenses in the NFL after two weeks in 2015:
5. Washington Redskins
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 20: Defensive end Jason Hatcher #97 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after a stop on third down in the second quarter of a game against the St. Louis Rams at FedExField on September 20, 2015 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images)
Washington has allowed just 27 points in two games. A season ago, the Redskins gave up 27 or more points in a single game eight different times. While the Dolphins and Rams aren’t exactly offensive juggernauts, allowing 234.5 total yards per contest—currently the NFL’s best mark—is still notable. Washington just beat out St. Louis for the fifth spot.
4. Carolina Panthers
CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 20: Josh Norman #24 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after a second half play against the Houston Texans during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Opponents are averaging just 3.8 yards per play against the Panthers. No other defense is allowing less than 4.0. Like Miami, the opponent has to be factored in, as Blake Bortles (Week 1) and Ryan Mallett (Week 2) hardly represent a quarterback gauntlet. The Carolina defense still ranks in the top 10 in takeaways, passing yards, yards per attempt, rushing yards and yards per carry, and only the New York Jets have allowed fewer points.
3. Dallas Cowboys
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 20: Jordan Matthews #81 of the Philadelphia Eagles is tackled by Byron Jones #31 and Sean Lee #50 of the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter during a football game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 20, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 20-10. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images)
The Cowboys have allowed 36 points and 515 total yards, which rank sixth and third in the NFL, respectively. Teams are averaging just 4.4 yards per play against Dallas, including a league-best 2.6 yards per rush. The defense has carried the Cowboys to two wins over division rivals, including Sunday’s suffocating victory over the Eagles. Dallas has allowed just two touchdowns this season: a 1-yard Giants touchdown after a Tony Romo interception, and a garbage time score from the Eagles late in the fourth quarter.
2. Denver Broncos
The team with Peyton Manning at quarterback has won games by making life very difficult on opposing passers. The Broncos are the only team to not allow a passing touchdown so far in 2014, while the defense’s four interceptions are tied for the most in the NFL. Denver also ranks first in passing yards allowed and second in yards per attempt. Only the Jets have more takeaways.
1. New York Jets
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 21: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts is sacked by Quinton Coples #98 during the game against the New York Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 21, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The top defense through two weeks belongs to the Jets and only the Jets. Todd Bowles’ group leads the NFL in points allowed (17), takeaways (10), interceptions (four, tied) and fumbles recovered (six). Monday night’s win over the Colts was a showcase of New York’s attacking ability, as the Jets pressured Andrew Luck into three interceptions and a lost fumble. Chip Kelly’s reeling Eagles offense is next on the menu.